Mood Swing (July 17, 2025)
/
Promo poster for Scoops 60, a solo art exhibition by Gurl 23 at Fingerprint Gallery
Hi friends! Thanks for checking out another edition of Mood Swing, Vancouver’s least-cringe and most-insightful weekly event roundup (according to me, the very unbiased girl who writes it).
Did you know that trying new things releases dopamine in our brains? We all have enough to stress about, so this week, why not try something guaranteed to release some of those feel-good chemicals? Read on to find a new art medium to practice, gallery to visit or stage to step onto and, as always, don’t forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the list straight to your inbox every Thursday.
NEW EXHIBIT FROM GURL 23 ☆ Anishinaabe artist Larissa Healey, also known as Gurl 23, has a new solo exhibition, Scoops 60, opening at Fingerprint Gallery on Friday, July 18. The vibrant mixed-media show explores the impact of the atrocities of the Sixties Scoop on Indigenous people in Canada through art mediums including sculpture, graffiti and textiles. Gurl 23 is kicking off the opening ceremony with a grass dance performance, but if you can’t make the opening, you can drop in to the gallery to view the show every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until July 27.
FRIDAY, JULY 18 6PM - 9PM ☆ FINGERPRINT GALLERY, 663A MARKET HILL ☆ FREE!
EASTSIDE ARTS FESTIVAL ☆ I could fill this week’s list with all the incredible workshops, walking tours and performances being hosted by this year’s Eastside Arts Festival, running from July 18 to 27. Hone a new skill like embroidery, linocutting, ecoprinting or urban sketching, learn more about our city on walking tours through Hogan’s Alley and Chinatown, or catch a concert headlined by Vancouver musician young friend at the Rickshaw Theatre. Tickets range from $20-60, with free events also available, including an interactive art project at Kamloops-Hastings Plaza on July 19.
FRIDAY, JULY 18 - SUNDAY, JULY 27 ☆ VARIOUS LOCATIONS ☆ TICKETS (FREE - $60)
QUEER OPEN MIC ☆ Ever wanted to try your hand at telling some jokes on stage? Laughs in Queer, a monthly open mic and social hosted at friend of SAD Slice of Life, is the perfect place to do it! The mic offers a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies to sharpen their sets, try stand-up for the first time or even just tell a funny story. The shows have one rule: no one is allowed to bomb (unless they say something bigoted, in which case, fire away). If going on stage isn’t your thing, come enjoy some laughs, be in community and be sure to check out the Slice gift shop while you’re there!
FRIDAY JULY 18 7PM - 9PM ☆ SLICE OF LIFE, 1636 VENABLES ST ☆ TICKETS ($15 OR PWYC)
FREE CRAFT MARKET ☆ In need of a trinket fix? Vancouver Pop-Ups is hosting a free craft market featuring over 40 artisans on Sunday, July 20, at Heritage Hall on Main Street. Support a local artist and check out the array of handmade goods, including jewelry, crochet, candles, prints, stickers and more! The first 30 people in line will even get a $10 voucher to use at the market, so according to my girl math, you’re basically losing money by not going.
SUNDAY, JULY 20 11AM - 5PM ☆ HERITAGE HALL, 3102 MAIN ST ☆ FREE!
VINYL DJS ☆ If you haven’t been to The Lido yet, this is the weekend to change that. The vibey East Van bar offers a small but mighty dance floor, a killer patio and different themed DJ sets almost every night of the week with absolutely no cover charge. This weekend, both nights feature all-vinyl DJs (which just feels cooler, I don’t make the rules). Check out Friday’s post punk/new wave/disco night or groove to some hip-hop and classic rap on Saturday — whichever is more your vibe. If you like to indulge in a boozy beverage, make sure to drink a spaghett while you’re there!
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, 9PM - 2AM ☆ THE LIDO, 518 E BROADWAY ☆ FREE!
